Freetown International Airport is set to increase its presence in Sierra Leone’s future economic development. As the main gateway to the nation, it will play a key part in the ongoing reconstruction process. In the short term, this means the promotion of trade and investment; looking further ahead, it will play a major role in the plan to revive the once-strong tourist industry. The only international airport in Sierra Leone, it is the first thing most visitors experience of the country.

‘We have the infrastructure in place’ Donald Bull

Donald Bull, general manager of the Sierra Leone Airport Authority (SLAA), has a great responsibility on his shoulders. “We need to have a good airport in order to attract people to our country,” he says. “Our airport reflects the image and character of the people of this country.”

The airport is situated across the Sierra Leone River on the plains of the Bullom Peninsula to the north of the city. The SLAA has completed an extensive investment programme worth £3.3 million for the modernisation and repair of the runway, upgrading the passenger terminals and the purchase of new safety, security and navigational equipment. More investment is planned. The air transport network of Sierra Leone also includes a further 11 provincial airstrips dotted around the country, which were built during the colonial era to facilitate the movement of goods and precious minerals.

According to Mr Bull, Freetown’s strategic location between the northern and southern hemispheres makes it a prospective hub for inter-continental traffic. The airport was once used by the likes of KLM, BA and a number of other European carriers. It was also an important stopover between Europe and South America. “About 15 years ago, we were the stopover for
flights from South America to Europe. We are trying to capture the South American market as well, although they are presently operating through Abidjan and Dakar.”

The terminals are equipped to handle the anticipated increase in passenger numbers

The Airport Authority hopes to regain lost market share from neighbouring
countries like Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire and is keen to entice big carriers back to Freetown. It is also well-positioned to serve the fast-developing South African market.

Passenger forecasts are encouraging, but progress will not be easy. Business travel growth is expected to climb by 9 per cent annually, though estimating the growth in tourist numbers remains almost impossible.
Just a decade ago, the country welcomed around 100,000 tourists a year. Certainly, the airport is ready to handle any growth in traffic volume. The runway has the capacity to handle the world’s largest commercial aircraft, including Boeing 747s. “We have the basic infrastructure in place,” says Mr Bull. “What perhaps might not be ready yet is the market.”

Further investment is needed, however, if the airport is to cope with the expected increase in passenger and cargo traffic over the next few years. The World Bank and Ecowas Bank have already earmarked funds for additional improvements.

One of the most important questions – how to improve transport links between the airport and the city – remains unanswered. Presently, the use of helicopter shuttles in the absence of a road link makes the cost of travel expensive. The ferry option is time-consuming. Proposed solutions include a bridge linking the airport to the city by road, through to relocating the whole airport to the mainland.

Mr Bull says that donor support and outside investment will be crucial to the implementation of such plans. “We have not yet taken any decision as to whether we are going to build a bridge across Lungi, or if a new site is going to be developed on the mainland of the country for easier access to the airport.”

As well as the ambitious modernisation of infrastructure and equipment, the SLAA is aiming to implement management reforms that will help make the airport more financially sustainable and customer-focused. The exploitation of revenue-generating activities through private sector involvement in the running of car parks and shops is also on the agenda.